The beginning of the new year is a time for many transport companies to renew their carrier's OCP policy. Many entrepreneurs ask themselves the same question: why do premiums differ so much and what really affects their amount?

In practice, two identical companies can receive offers that differ by even tens of percent. This is due to insurers carefully analyzing the risk. Below, we explain what insurance companies pay attention to in 2026 and how to prepare for the calculations to avoid unnecessary costs – or gaps in protection.

Claims history – a key element of the calculation

The claims history is the most important factor affecting the OCP premium. Insurers usually analyze a period of 3 to 5 years, focusing not only on the number of claims but primarily on their nature.

The following factors are important:

• frequency of claims,

• amount of compensation paid,

• cause (theft, damage, driver error, lack of security),

• method of claims settlement and cooperation of the carrier.

It is worth emphasizing that not every claim is assessed the same. A single large theft claim may have a greater impact on the premium than several minor damages. The context and the way the company manages risk are crucial.

Type and value of the transported goods

What you are transporting has a direct impact on the price of the policy. Insurers classify goods in terms of:

• unit value,

• vulnerability to theft,

• risk of damage,

• specifics of transport.

Items such as:

• electronics,

• high-theft goods,

• ADR,

• pharmaceuticals.

On the other hand, neutral goods, such as building materials or low-value food, are seen as less risky. Inaccurate specification of the types of goods is one of the more common reasons for problems during claims settlement.

Transport territory – the wider, the more expensive

The territorial scope is very important in the OCP calculation. Domestic and international transport are valued differently:

• domestic transport,

• European Union,

• extended Europe,

• countries with an increased risk of theft.

A common mistake is selecting too wide a scope as a precaution, which is not actually used. Insurers consider not only destination countries but also transit and stops.

In 2026, particular attention is paid to:

• countries with high theft claims,

• parking outside of secured lots,

• lack of stopping procedures.

Fleet and organization of the transport company

The stability of the company matters. Insurers analyze:

• the number of vehicles,

• the age of the fleet,

• the form of ownership (leasing, own funds),

• continuity of operations,

• driver turnover.

Companies with a stabilized fleet and low driver turnover are seen as less risky. Frequent changes of drivers or dynamically expanding the fleet can raise premiums, even in the absence of claims.

Security and procedures – increasingly important

In recent years, insurers have increasingly focused on real securities and internal procedures.

Factors such as:

• GPS monitoring,

• alarm systems,

• use of secured parking lots,

• procedures regarding stops and driver changes,

• complete transport documentation.

Failure to follow procedures or their non-compliance can result in higher premiums, limitation of protection scope, and in extreme cases, refusal to pay compensation.

Guaranteed sum and SDR conversion – what is it and why does it matter?

This is one of the most frequently misunderstood elements of OCP.

In international transport, the carrier's liability is governed by the CMR convention. Compensation is paid according to the SDR (Special Drawing Rights) conversion rate.

What is SDR?

SDR is an international accounting unit established by the International Monetary Fund. Its value changes over time and is converted into currency (e.g., euros) on the day of the claim.

According to CMR:

the carrier's liability is a maximum of 8.33 SDR for each kilogram of missing or damaged goods.

In practice, this means that for heavy and valuable cargo, the amount of compensation can reach several hundred thousand euros.

Why do we recommend 300,000 EUR?

In international transport:

• typical cargo weight (20–24 tons),

• increasing value of goods,

• the SDR exchange rate,

means that a sum of 100,000 EUR is often insufficient. A policy with too low a guaranteed sum may not cover the full liability of the carrier, resulting in out-of-pocket costs.

This is why in practice we recommend a guaranteed sum of 300,000 EUR, which provides real protection for most international transports and ensures financial security for the transport company.

Why do OCP offers differ so much?

Differences in premiums arise from:

• differing risk assessments by insurers,

• the specialization of insurers,

• varied approaches to claims history,

• scope of clauses and exclusions.

Comparing OCP solely by price is one of the most common and costly mistakes made by carriers.

Summary

A well-chosen OCP policy for carriers is not just a matter of premiums, but primarily real protection of the company's liability. In 2026, insurers will analyze risk even more carefully, so it is worth approaching the subject consciously. Contact us – we will compare offers from various insurers and tailor the scope to your actual transports, not just "on paper."